Reasoning
Using facts and thinking to come to a conclusion.
Oppressive
Unfairly controlling or treating people harshly.
Heresy
A belief that goes against the official teachings of a religion.
Hereditary
Passed down from parents to children, such as a title or position.
Clergy
Religious leaders, such as priests or ministers.
Traditional
Following beliefs or customs that have existed for a long time.
Scientific Revolution
A period when people began using science, observation, and experiments to better understand the world.
Scientific Method
A step-by-step process used to investigate questions and test ideas.
Observation
Carefully watching, examining, and gathering information.
Geocentric
The belief that Earth is at the center of the universe.
Heliocentric
The belief that the Sun is at the center of the solar system.
Nicolaus Copernicus
Scientist who argued that Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun. His ideas helped begin the Scientific Revolution.
Galileo Galilei
Scientist who used a telescope to make observations that supported the heliocentric theory and challenged the traditional belief that Earth was at the center.
Enlightenment
A movement that emphasized reason, individual rights, and questioning traditional government.
Natural Rights
Rights that all people are born with and that should not be taken away.
John Locke
Enlightenment thinker who believed that people are born with natural rights: life, liberty, and property. He also believed government should protect these rights.
Consent
Permission or agreement.
Popular Sovereignty
The idea that the power of government comes from the people.
Constitutional Monarchy
A government with a king or queen whose power is limited by laws or a constitution.
Citizen
A legal member of a country who has rights and responsibilities.
Baron de Montesquieu
Enlightenment thinker who believed government power should be divided among different branches so that one person or group would not have all the power. Separation of powers
Voltaire
Enlightenment thinker who supported freedom of speech and religious tolerance. He believed people should be able to express their ideas and beliefs.
Mary Wollstonecraft
Enlightenment writer who argued that women should have greater rights and educational opportunities.
Abolish
To officially end or get rid of something.
Social Contract
The idea that people agree to follow a government in exchange for the government protecting their rights.